The Golem

Brief Overview

«The Golem» by Gustav Meyrink is an expressionist novel set in the mysterious and mystical Jewish ghetto of Prague. The protagonist, Athanasius Pernath, is a gem engraver who records his strange and surreal dreams. He encounters various enigmatic characters and events that make him question his perception of reality. At the heart of the story is the legend of the Golem—a clay monster created by Rabbi Loew to protect the ghetto from anti-Semitic attacks. The Golem symbolizes not only protection but also uncontrollable forces that can be both salvific and destructive. The novel explores themes of identity, consciousness, and human nature through the lens of Kabbalistic and alchemical symbols.